Candidate’s Info:
Submitted October 7, 2010
Ron Jones
390 Randolph
Ward Ward 2, Windsor
519-252-1005
rjones@city.windsor.on.ca
http://reelect.ronjones.ca/
1. Implementing the MCMP:
The Municipal Cultural Master Plan represents a strong commitment by the City to significantly support the arts in a variety of ways that will help to harness the economic and creative potential of the entire arts community, however, there has not yet been a firm commitment in terms of schedule or budget to realize any of the new proposed initiatives in the MCMP. Of the 15 as-yet-unrealized recommendations in the MCMP, which ones would you prioritize and complement with the necessary financial support and political commitment in order to successfully implement them?
Ron Jones: 1. Contained within the MCMP is a solid over-all Vision Statement for the City of Windsor and Mission Statement for the Cultural Affairs Office formed during the first summit held wherein the MCMP was created. These two statements (recommendationss 1 & 2) need only a recommitment by the new Council along with direction to administration to begin preparation for a second summit in 2011 (recommendation 10).
2. Substantial labour and funds have already been invested in the Odette Sculpture Gardens and the rewards can be seen daily as throngs of individuals, families and visitors wander along the pathways or ride the Art Cart. Recommendation 6 should be an annual budget item to ensure the preservation of this unique city asset.
3. A Public Art Policy (recommendation 11) is a principled issue if the City believes in the Vision and Mission Statements. Certainly when preparing for a new or updated civic development there is ample opportunity to work with architects/builders/designers to find innovative ways to incorporate components of/from the arts community into the finished project. A commitment to this can be done now without adding dollars to our tax base.
4. Resources for the Cultural Affairs Office (recommendation 3) which should most likely be placed within the Recreation Department (recommendation 4) will need to begin slowly. An intrical responsibility of this office should be the cultivating and cataloguing of Provincial and Federal funds available to arts and culture organizations along with networking sources. Partnerships with organizations such as the Windsor Essex Community Foundation which not only hase funds available but has the expertise to assist in providing workshops for grant writing for organizations would also be a valued asset.
5. Awareness of the community, councillors and municipal staff about culture (recommendation 9) is essential as one of the top five priorities. When the economic environment suffers in a community the easiest target is arts, culture and physical activity facilities (parks, pools, etc). We have seen this for years in our school systems as those activities are removed and our youth have increased idle time on their hands. Unfortunately in these stressful times if individuals have no positive release from their daily chores and responsibilities, the community tends to experience more neglect, higher crime and little support to attempt to elevate themselves or their environment. Arts and culture are the components which stimulate our memories and our imaginations. They are what inspire progress and innovation.
2. Arts Infrastructure:
Given the substantial economic, cultural, and social successes realized by other North America cities through the development of exceptional arts facilities, given the enthusiasm for multiple arts organizations in the region to work together and the proven track record of such facilities to transform the urban landscape, and given the recently adopted Municipal Cultural Master Plan’s directive to provide capacity-building support for arts organizations, how will you support our region’s infrastructural needs for multi-use, multi-organization arts and culture facilities such as the Capitol Theatre and Armouries-Palace?
3. Economy and the Arts:
Artists and arts organizations across the region bring in millions of dollars every year in revenue through grants, sales, private investment, and donations, infusing additional millions of dollars back into the local economy. Over the last twenty years, across the province, arts and culture industries grew 14% more than the rest of the economy. As the arts are a long-proven driver of economic development in the city and beyond, what will you do to ensure that the arts and culture community can bring even more investment, talent, and dollars to the region?
Ron Jones: Certainly working to see the MCMP is in fact activated, reviewed regularly and highlighted as an intrical part of what Windsor and Essex County truly is has to be a priority. Education and awareness are the tools that will fuel the drive to secure investment, talent and dollars to the region. Partnering with Tourism Windsor-Essex & Pelee Island, Windsor-Essex Development Corporation, the Multicultural Council as well as our Provincial and Federal members will assist in generating greater support and marketing of what we currently have and of our vision for the future.
4. Arts and Culture Funding:
Strong financial investment in arts and culture has direct and tangible economic and social returns, as measured by economists such as Richard Florida, Statistics Canada, and the Conference Board of Canada, and as demonstrated in cities around the world. This investment engages residents and draws new talent, assists in fostering new businesses, and creates a healthier and more vibrant community. With that in mind,how much of the municipal budget would you allocate to arts and culture, and how would you justify that spending to your constituents?
Ron Jones: The Public Art Policy would certainly generate some funds for a specific segment of the art community.
2011 Arts and Culture Summit should provide more clarity to a funding structure through dialogue and decisions on Recommendations 7, 8 and 13. However, funding as I said earlier cannot be limited. The sustainability and advancement of arts and culture lies with the municipality, the region, the arts sector, businesses, the government and the public. We must all start to work cohesively and not against one another. We must acknowledge that by helping one segment, we will in turn enhance another and another, etc. so that the entire community will be the beneficiary.
5. Your vision for our Region’s Arts and Culture:
Please briefly describe your vision for the near, medium, and long-term future for arts and culture in Windsor and/or Essex County.
Ron Jones: We are currently and have been for decades the fourth most diverse community in Canada. We have far too long kept that quiet, both within and outside of our municipal boundaries. We need to speak out and embrace that fact with pride.
Near: – Finalize the securement of the Capitol Theatre;
Make preparation for a 2011 Arts and Culture Summit.
Medium: – Implement as much of the MCMP as feasible in a timely fashion;
Cultivate volunteer development and partnerships;
Begin to involve more of our youth, seniors and school.
Long term: – Highlight and celebrate our various ethnic and cultural sections of the city and
county and make them known and accessible throughout the region;
Assist in making the arts and culture community component financially
sustainable, and affordable for residents as well as encouraging that venues
and events are held or housed across the city so that arts and culture become
a natural part of our make-up.
